When a crane lifts an object, it can swing into objects around it, into power lines or, by swinging, create hazards to personnel on the ground. Taglines, long ropes attached to the load, allow ground personnel to pivot the load as it swings on the crane’s hook, so that it doesn't collide with objects around it. The OSHA regulations concerning taglines are straightforward, if somewhat scarce.

Materials

OSHA defines taglines as made from soft, fiber lines. Fiber lines, such as those made from nylon, polypropylene or natural fiber, such as sisal, don’t present the hazards of wire rope. A wire rope’s strands may break. The fishhook-shaped broken ends of the strands can cause serious injury to inadequately gloved personnel. A wire rope also conducts electricity and presents a shock hazard if it contacts a live electrical system.

When Required

Title 29, Section 1926.953(d) of the Code of Federal Regulations requires taglines on any load “where hazards to employees exist” in order to keep the loads under control. When a load is lifted from the ground, it can pivot around the crane line that's being used to lift it. Uncontrolled pivoting may cause the load to bump into things around it, such as the boom of the crane, other loads or hazardous equipment, such as electrical stations. As the load nears a fixed object, it creates a pinch-point, a place where a person may become trapped or injured. The tagline allows personnel on the ground to turn the load as necessary to prevent damage to surrounding equipment or personnel.

Around Electrical Equipment

Charged equipment or lines present a special hazard for personnel involved in rigging and crane work, should a load contact live electrical lines or equipment. The charge can travel through the lifting cables, causing a failure in the crane or injury to the crane operator. A failure in the crane can also cause the load to fall unexpectedly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s regulations found in Section 1926.953(c) (2) require that, where loads are “stored under energized lines or near energized equipment," the crew lifting the load must exercise “extraordinary caution.” The crew must also maintain "proper clearances" to avoid contact between the load and the charged equipment.

General Tagline Safety

You should wear gloves when handling the tagline. You should never wrap the tagline around an arm or leg in an attempt to stop a load’s swing. You should never step into a loop in a tagline. You should never place yourself between an immovable object and a load that is not firmly on the ground and, if you must, you should release the tagline to avoid becoming trapped or pinched.

About the Author

Will Charpentier is a writer who specializes in boating and maritime subjects. A retired ship captain, Charpentier holds a doctorate in applied ocean science and engineering. He is also a certified marine technician and the author of a popular text on writing local history.